Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire 12-7-23

This port, also called the Abidjan, Ivory Coast, became independent from France in 1960. The ship offered a free shuttle to the Craft Center of the City of Abidjan, CAVA, and we discussed the prospect of a taxi for a bit more of an excursion after the market.  Brian and Sandy were with us so we could adventure together. The day did not go as planned. This is a massive cargo port so our cruise berth was given away in the night and we were assigned a berth at the very end of this complex. The shuttle to CAVA, with port security, was to be a 20 minute ride and it took an hour. Apparently some missing paperwork which most likely had a fee attached to release the buses.  CAVA was not an area we even wanted to explore after hearing from the passengers on the first shuttle. Talk of rodents, open toilets and finding a taxi didn't seem advisable. We got back on the bus before it left for another hour ride back to the ship. The captain related even more issues with this port and we may be the last Holland America ship to ever dock here.  Free drinks in the Lido pool area tomorrow for an hour.  

At first only two shuttles for 1,000 passengers,

After the delays the staff assigned numbers and some waited 

3 hours to get a shuttle. The last shuttle was at 2:30.

The container port we were docked in.

Work progressed as the green busses came and went.

The Artisan market. Security?

Some passengers shopped.

Street scene.  Are they living here and dinning?

An update.  Our experience was not shared by everyone. Some loved the market, found taxies and all made it back to the port.